“What?”
“The lifestyle. It’s the first time you’ve referred to it asoursinstead of mine.” I wrap my arms around his neck.
“I guess it is. I feel some ownership now. Before, I felt like I was just dabbling in it. Testing the waters.”
“And now?” he asks on tenterhooks.
“Now I can say I’m a submissive.”
“Fuck, yeah, you are.” He playfully slaps my ass. “Tell me, baby girl, are you wet for me?”
“Yes, Sir.” A thrill courses through me. It feels different to call him that outside of Venom. Something I’ll unpack later. Tonight, I want to enjoy my time with Ry and his family before we gohome,and everything changes.
Chapter 24
RYDER
Today is moving day, and a first for Aspen and me. She’s never lived with a boyfriend, and I’ve never had a submissive in my personal space. I’m not nervous at all. I thought I would be, but I know in my gut that Aspen is the one.
I spent most of this week helping her move during the day before we work nights at Rooftop. Flex was questioning whether it was a good idea to workandlive together, but I swiftly pointed out that Dalton works closely with Nadia, and Pierce and Freya work together. Why should it be any different for me? I love working with Aspen. She’s such a talent in the kitchen, and seeing her blossom is rewarding.
“This is the last box.” Aspen beams at me with giddy excitement. I take it from her, giving her a moment with Jude before we go. I know it’s hard on both of them.
“I’ll take it down to the truck. Take your time.”
“Thank you.” I take my leave and head for the elevator. My pulse quickens with delight, knowing that my girl is going to be with me inourpenthouse. Once I’ve handed over the box to the movers, I wait by my car for Aspen. I’m anticipating some tears, but when she finally comes down, she’s visibly shaking.
“What’s wrong?” I pull her into my arms. She’s shaking.
“I’m fine. It’s just hard to say goodbye.” I feel like there’s something she’s not saying, but I don’t want to push it. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.
“You’ll still see her all the time. I’m already planning on having to share you with Jude.”
She looks up at me, her eyes glassy. “Tell me it’s all going to be okay.”
I wrap her tight. “Everything is going to be okay. We’re a team. We face this life together. I’ve always got you.”
She heaves a heavy sigh before leaning into my touch, her head resting against my chest.
“Your heartbeat is soothing. So strong and steady.” I smile as I drink her in.
“Let’s go home, baby girl.”
“Yes, Sir.” A flicker of hope blooms in my chest. Maybe one day Aspen will have that unwavering faith in me and want to be my twenty-four-seven submissive.
The drive back to the penthouse is quiet, Aspen staring out the window. There’s something more she’s not telling me. She was upset this morning at the prospect of leaving Jude, but she was still overwhelmingly excited. The wind seems to have gone out of her sails right now.
“Are you rethinking this whole living with a guy decision?”
She turns to me as we idle in traffic. “Not even a little bit. I love you. I want to be where you are. Besides, your apartment is nicer than mine.”
“It’sourapartment now. You and me.”
By the time we reach the penthouse, she’s in a much brighter mood, so I guess she was just struggling with saying goodbye.
I had the club’s designers make a few changes to the house for Aspen’s move-in.
“Welcome home, baby girl.” My housekeeper set out fresh flowers and put new bedding in our room. I wanted it to be a clean slate. Carter gave me a heads-up that the modifications I asked for were completed yesterday. I took a look this morning, and it’s perfect.
